Automated free abrasive machine for one side piece part machining

Abstract

An automated free abrasive apparatus for machining substantially similar workpieces on one side. In the apparatus a plurality of substantially similar workpieces are oriented and arranged in a lay flat configuration. Thereafter transport elements transfer the oriented laid flat workpieces to an indexing table which is movable vertically and horizontally to transport the workpieces to a machining area wherein the workpieces are machined. The orientation and machining or lapping of the workpieces is accomplished automatically without the need for an operator feeding each workpiece into the machining operation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for automatically lapping a plurality of substantially similar workpieces, comprising: positioning means for similarly orienting a plurality of substantially similar workpieces;   an indexing table;   indexing means for horizontally and vertically moving said indexing table;   arranging means for arranging said workpieces into a predetermined configuration;   a first transport means for transporting said workpieces from said arranging means to said indexing table;   lapping means for lapping one side of the workpieces; and   second transport means for moving said workpieces between said lapping means and said indexing table.   
     
     
       2. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said positioning means comprises a vibrating container for holding substantially flat workpieces having a first side and a second side wherein said container orients the workpieces with one of said first or second sides facing downwardly. 
     
     
       3. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indexing means comprises a base plate, a power means for displacing the base plate horizontally, and a vertically disposed air cylinder mounted on said base plate and connected to the underside of said indexing table. 
     
     
       4. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said arranging means comprises, a pair of flat rotatable discs having a predetermined diameter and surrounded by a substantially planar surface, means for rotating said discs, and a pair of annular members disposed about said discs. 
     
     
       5. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first transport means comprises an air cylinder. 
     
     
       6. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said lapping means comprises a rotatable lapping wheel, a pair of retaining rings, pressure plates, a reversing gear, and a dressing ring engaging the reversing gear. 
     
     
       7. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second transport means comprises an air cylinder assembly for horizontally sliding said retaining rings between said lapping means and said indexing table. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus for automatically lapping a plurality of substantially similar workpieces comprising: a positioner for similarly orienting a plurality of substantially similar workpieces;   a pair of rotating discs adjacent said positioner having a pair of annular members disposed about the rotating discs for arranging and maintaining said similarly oriented workpieces in a predetermined lay-flat configuration;   an indexing table adjacent said pair of rotating discs;   indexing means for moving said indexing table vertically and horizontally;   a first transport means for transporting said workpiece between said rotating discs and said indexing table;   a lapping wheel for machining a given side of said workpieces, said lapping wheel comprising, retaining rings for maintaining said workpieces in said predetermined configuration during machining, pressure plates for engaging said workpieces against said lapping wheel, a reversing gear and a dressing ring engaging said reversing gear for ensuring a uniform condition of said lapping wheel; and   a second transport means for moving said workpieces between said lapping wheel and said indexing table.   
     
     
       9. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said indexing means comprises a base plate, power means for displacing the base plate horizontally, and a vertically disposed air cylinder mounted on said base plate and connected to said indexing table. 
     
     
       10. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first transport means comprises an air cylinder for moving said pair of annular members between the rotating discs and said indexing table. 
     
     
       11. An automatic lapping apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said second transport means comprises an air cylinder attached to said pair of retaining rings or horizontally sliding said retaining rings between said lapping wheel and said indexing table. 
     
     
       12. A method of automatically machining one side of a plurality of substantially similar unfinished workpieces comprising: automatically orienting and arranging a plurality of unfinished workpieces is a substantially identical valid flat position for machining one side thereof;   automatically transporting the plurality of unfinished oriented and arranged workpieces to a machining area;   simultaneously machining the plurality of unfinished oriented and arranged workpieces and   removing a plurality of machined workpieces from the machining area while simultaneously moving a plurality of unfinished oriented and arranged workpieces to a vertically and horizontally movable indexing table for transport to the machining area.   
     
     
       13. A method of automatically machining one said of a plurality of substantially similar unfinished workpieces comprising: automatically orienting and arranging unfinished workpieces in a substantially identical laid flat position for machining one side thereof;   automatically transporting the oriented and arranged workpieces to a machining area by a vertically and horizontally movable indexing table;   machining the unfinished workpieces; and   removing the machined workpieces from the machining area.   
     
     
       14. Apparatus for automatically and simultaneously machining a plurality of substantially similar workpieces comprising: automatic means for arranging a plurality of unfinished workpieces in a laid flat position;   automatic means for transporting a plurality of the so-arranged unfinished workpieces to a machining area;   means for machining simultaneously a plurality of the so-arranged workpieces; and   automatic means for removing a plurality of machined workpieces from the machining area simultaneously with the transfer of a plurality of unfinished workpieces from the automatic means for arranging to the automatic means for transport.   
     
     
       15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14 wherein the means for transporting the so-arranged unfinished workpieces to the machining area is movable vertically and horizontally. 
     
     
       16. Apparatus for automatically machining a plurality of substantially similar workpieces comprising: automatic means for arranging a plurality of unfinished workpieces in a laid flat position;   automatic means for transporting the so-arranged unfinished workpieces to a machining area;   automatic mans for transporting the so-arranged unfinished workpieces from the automatic means for arranging to the automatic means for transporting;   means for machining the so-arranged workpieces; and   automatic means for removing the machined workpieces from the machining area wherein the automatic means for removing the machined workpieces and the automatic means or transporting the so-arranged unfinished workpieces operate simultaneously.